Officials probed baby’s family

David Kihara

Saturday, April 8, 2006 | 7:29 a.m.

Child protective services previously investigated the family of the 6-month-old girl who was found dead on Sunday, but there wasn't any action taken, sources said.

The girl was found facedown, dead on the floor in her grandmother's apartment. Metro Police Lt. Brad Simpson of the Abuse and Neglect detail said the baby may have rolled onto the floor.

"There were no visible signs of trauma," he said, adding that Metro Police are continuing to investigate the case.

No charges have been filed against the parents and police haven't identified them yet. The Clark County Coroner's office also hasn't determined how the baby died.

Two other children in the family's home were placed into the county's care.

The Clark County Family Services Department looked into the family previously, said law enforcement and social services sources. The department looked at the family six years ago and again in October.

A source close to the investigation said a caseworker visited the home and called the family without success. In November, the caseworker met the children's mother who complained that the father abused her and one of the children.

It's unclear if there was any substance to the allegation. Sources said the department didn't take any action after that visit.

Michael Kahn, spokesman for the Family Services Department, said he couldn't comment on the case.

Ann Rubin, a manager with the department, also couldn't comment specifically on this case, but said that investigators in each case decide how to respond or how to proceed.

"If they assess that the situation is not safe, they make a decision to bring kids into protective custody or find an appropriate placement," she said.